Strategic Management of Industrial Conflicts in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry: Some Dynamic Perspectives
Onyemaechi Joseph Onwe

Abstract
The paper observed the basic problems associated with the management of industrial conflicts in Nigeria in general and, in particular, the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The paper was aimed at researching into, and making recommendation on effective strategies for the management of industrial conflicts, collective bargaining, as well as handling of employee grievances, industrial action, and employee discipline, with special emphasis on the oil and gas industry. The methodology was purely descriptive and analytical, with major focus on effective and implementable strategies for the management of industrial conflicts. The relevant data were obtained from literature and statistics from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria. Our analysis revealed that: (i) industrial conflicts began in Nigeria in 1912, with the emergence of trade unions; (ii) the economic costs of industrial conflicts in Nigeria outweighs their benefits; and, (iii) the degree to which collective bargaining principles are being applied in the resolution of conflicts appears questionable and discouraging in Nigeria. Based on these and other relevant observations the paper proposed relevant and practical strategies for the management of industrial conflicts and related issues in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

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